Kind Words Do Wonders: A Devotion

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

Oh, my, what's better than a kind word spoken or a gentle act of love to cheer the heart?

I was in the checkout line at Wal-mart the other day, and when I got ready to leave, I looked at the clerk and said, "You have a nice day."

She glanced at me, a bit of surprise on her face. Her lips widened in a smile and she said something like this: "Thank you. You are always so nice."

I'm not totally sure how it affected her, if she cared, or even if she needed the words of kindness. But, oh, they affected me. My own words. And her answer. From a drab day to a day that's like:

a fire sparkler sky,

An anchor is a storm-driven sea,

A ride on an old bicycle on a summer day,

Sunshine on a forest path after a week of rain,

Mustard seeds at the local grocery, reminding us to have faith.

Faith in ourselves, our kind words, our fellowman, our God.

We sure won't go wrong with those! 

Happy day! 

***

Book Three in the Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series

It wouldn't hurt for Caroline to learn a little more kindness...

What's It About?

Co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, Caroline Gibson particularly relates to the ballerina music box: forever spinning and never going anywhere. But when her dream prince appears, she's sure her prayers have been answered. Trouble is, even though family and friends hint that the local artist is the guy for her, Caroline takes matters into her own hands.

Andrew Carrington has loved Caroline since they were kids. But when contracts suddenly arrive begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.

And then there's the hitch in both their plans. Someone is stealing Andy's paintings, and why would they when he's an unknown so far? Is something deeper going on neither understand? Caroline must put aside her on-going battle to avoid Andy and his art so they can discover the art thief in Appleton.

BUY THE BOOK:

Amazon

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

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Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com

Devotion: Be Strong in the Lord!

Finally, my brothers,

Be strong in the Lord

and in his might.

Ephesians 6:10

Sometimes we're too stubborn or blind to see what's right in front of our eyes.

But recently I've reached out to God for help,

that I might strengthen my faith.

I'm grown mentally and spiritually, I think,

throughout this summer,

and hopefully, learned a few things along with 

sharing love and compassion to others.

I learned to trust, 

and because of that,

I was able to trust my hubby

in helping me conquer a major fear of mine:

Swimming!

I'm still far from a professional,

but I overcame something

that I'd carried forever.
Fear of swimming.

I learned to swim! 

I practiced forgiveness.

Hurt really badly this past year by someone I thought

should appreciate all I'd done for them,

I carried that hurt inside me,

feeling justified in doing so.

In so doing, I hurt myself

because to be happy,

to have peace,

a person has to forgive.

Forgiving was a process God showed me 

and helped me achieve.

I'm praying a hard prayer.

I was sitting in church one day

and felt like God directed my thoughts

to the ways I was praying.

Sure, it was easy to pray for those

who I loved dearly.

It was easy to pray for the softer hearts.

But what about that one I thought would never

serve God? Who, I thought, was a "hard" person?

Why didn't I pray for him/her?

My eyes were opened.

God is the God of possibilities,

and what I deemed as impossible

was nothing to God!

And, so, I allowed my prayers to include the impossible:

I began praying for that one.

Have I seen results?

Not yet.

But I'm not giving up either.

I will cast my faith on the waters of prayer,

and allow God to work.

I learned that the results are not my responsibility.

I'm required to do what I can.

God will produce the results.

***

How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death? Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far?

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. A Selah Award finalist and a semifinalist in the Genesis contest, this novel has close to 150 raving reviews!

Amzn Author Pg: http://amzn.to/1nFS0og 

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

A Glimmer of Faith in the Midst of Doubt

You will keep him in perfect peace 

whose mind is stayed on you. 

Isaiah 26:3

She regarded the brightly shining angel, with its synthetic blonde-hair, tilting a little on the top branch. Perhaps she ought to say a prayer. If she thought it would help, she would do so.

But then, did prayer really help? Had God sent an angel to earth to look after her and her baby while Patrick was gone? Well, if he had, their angel had better get busy. He wasn’t doing so well right about now.

--from Christmas Angels, an anthology novella (From the Lake to the River)

Abigail is young, lonely, afraid and a new mother and wife, with little money, and not much of hope of getting any kind of help. What could be worse?

How many times have we gone through situations, problems, trials, or even persecution in one form or another, and found ourselves doubting God or his ability to carry us through, even if the thought was for just the briefest of time?

Did God hear me?

Does he even listen?

Does he even care?

Where is God when I need him?
What did I do that he won't answer my prayer?

Or much worse...

Is there even a God?

Thorndike Dictionary describes doubt as:

• not believing or trusting
• not to be sure of or feel uncertain about
• difficulty in believing
• an uncertain state of mind
• an uncertain condition of affairs

Can we believe God when finances are low and there's no job in view?

How is our faith when a loved one is suffering physically or dying?

How do we pray when a child is wayward and rebellious?

Be assured that God knows our heart, our mind, our self. He understands our weaknesses, the temptations we have, the doubts that arise. 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, 

and lean not toward your own understanding.

He shall direct your path.

Proverbs 3: 5 and 6b

How to increase our faith?

1. Acknowledge our weakness
2. Snuggle deeper into his arms of strength and into his love and understanding
3. Dig deeper into his Word. 
4. Refuse to listen to the enemy of our soul
5. Rest in the knowledge that God is God. He loves us!

In II Corinthians 12: 9-10, Paul admonishes by talking about his own experience:

And he said unto me:

My grace is sufficient for you,

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,

in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then am I strong.

In the short scene from Christmas Angels, above, Abigail, in her time of questioning and doubt, wonders if God is there. Would her prayer reach God's ears and would he care enough to help?



Yes, God hears! 
Yes, God Cares! 
Yes, he will answer! 


Rest assured, Troubled Soul, of that!!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles, 

so that we can comfort those in any trouble 

with the comfort, we ourselves receive from God.

--II Corinthians 1:3 & 4

***

Thrilled to announce my newest contribution 

to the writing world: 

Christmas Angels 

A Novella, (set during WWII) 

is included in the Ohio anthology: 

From the Lake to the River.

Consisting of nine stories from nine Ohio authors, there is something for everyone! 



Set in Ohio, in the past and present, these nine short stories and novellas by Ohio authors cover a wide range of genres, topics, and locations. 

From Troy in the west to the North Coast 

and south-central Ohio. 

From Lake Erie to the Ohio River. 

From romance to YA adventure, 

with touches of mystery and humor. 

Dealing with historical events and situations, 

such as floods and the lasting effects of the Civil War. 

With characters involved in 

square dancing, theater, and music. 

Dealing with loss and danger, 

a second chance at love 

and taking a chance on love for the first time. 

Chances are good, no matter what you have a taste for reading, 

you'll find something to like. Welcome to a taste of the Buckeye State!

Here's the blurb for Christmas Angels:

Her mother called her a failure, and maybe she was. Her husband was gone—in the service, yes, but
if he loved her—really loved her, why didn't he write? Or call? Or send the money she needed?

She was scared too, afraid of being alone, and though she loved this sweet little bundle of joy—her baby—well, was she smart enough and strong enough to raise her?

She didn't mind doing without all the nice things she'd love to have, but not being able to provide luxuries like Christmas trees, ornaments and presents for her baby girl was beyond enduring.

What she needed was a miracle...and that wasn't going to happen.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Lake-River-Buckeye-Chr…/…/ref=sr_1_1…

Barnes & Noble/Nook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/from-the-lake-…/1129185393…

Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/…/from-the-lake-to-the-river-buckeye-c…

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

We Shall Overcome!

To Overcome is to defeat or prevail or succeed in dealing with a difficulty.  Christians want to be counted in the number who overcome! Oh my! The rewards are great!

Our Savior Himself said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 If He has overcome the world—and He has because He told us so—and if we are in Him, then we, too, have overcome! Here’s the proof! He also said, “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” John 14:20

You remember the story of the twelve spies that Moses sent into the Promised Land—one from each tribe. Joshua from the tribe of Ephraim (the main tribe from Joseph that later becomes synonymous with Israel) and Caleb from Judah were the only two who came back with a good report. “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30b Be positive, have no doubt, no matter the giants in your life!

Another reason we know that we can overcome is “because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world!” 1 John 4:4b The Apostle Paul told his newly converts in Rome, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 And John tells us, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”  1 John 5:4-5

So we overcome in Jesus, fully believing He is the Son of God! And dear ones! Beloved of the Father and our Bridegroom! He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says our reward will be!

• We get to eat of the Tree of Life in the midst of the paradise of God! Revelation 2:7
• We shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelation 2:11
• We get to eat of the hidden manna! And get a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he that receives it. Revelation 2:17
• We get power over the nations: to rule them. And, the morning star! Revelation 2:26-28
• We’ll be clothed in white raiment! Our name will not be blotted out of the Book of Life! Yeshua will confess our name before His Father and His angels. Revelation 3:5
• Christ will make us a pillar in God’s temple of my God and we won’t go out any more! He’ll write the name of God on us and the name of the city of God which is the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from the Father! And He’ll write His new name on us! Revelation 3:12
• We get to sit with Jesus in my throne, just as He overcame and sits with Father in his throne! Revelation 3:21
• We’ll inherit all things; and Yeshua will be our God, and we will be His son[daughter]!  Revelation 21:7 ALL things

Facing anything hard, something you need to overcome?

Bio: Caryl McAdoo loves God and writes four series praying each story gives God glory—all with a strong Christian faith. She loves praising with new songs the Lord gives her and counts four children and seventeen grandsugars life’s best blessings. She and high school sweetheart-husband Ron love living in the woods of Red River County five miles south of Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.

Giveaway : This coming Wednesday, I have THREE FREE titles coming! Claim your copy of all three! Sing a New Song (book two Red River Romance --contemporary) A Little Lower than the Angels (volume 1 --Biblical fiction) and Hearts Stolen (book 2 of the Texas Romance Family Saga --historical romance)

Love Songs or Clanging Cymbals

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and with truth. 1 John 3:18

As this holiday season approaches, the world, society, life in general, seems to have gone mad. The peaceful neighborhoods and churches of my childhood exist no more. Things that once elicited friendly rivalries and good-natured pacts to “agree to disagree” have turned into anger and shouting matches. Instead of accepting that individual rights to differing views and opinions, relationships end up on the evening news because of minor disagreements.

Christians are to be different.

Americans and Christians alike, used to accept one other as a melting pot of ideologies and opinions without name-calling. It has become passé to accept personal decisions based on prayer, conscience, and experience without going on the attack.

Paul faced increasing differences in the rapidly growing community of new believers. As a Christian who was formerly a respected Jew and persecutor of the new faith in Jesus Christ, he spoke repeatedly about dealing with disagreements in a different way than the world. Paul admonished the Ephesians to speak the truth in love, thus maturing into accurate representations of Christ. He called Christians a “body” that “builds itself up in love”.

We have forgotten the words of First Corinthians 13: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Too many gongs and cymbals clamor in the name of Christ and I suspect it hurts God’s ears. What He longs to hear from His children is a love song.

As we approach the holidays and gather with friends and family, let us remember the rest of that powerful chapter on love. Let us make deliberate decisions to be patient and kind, rather than boastful or proud. We must determine to display attitudes that honor rather than dishonor, to speak thoughtful words rather than those that are self-seeking and angry. Before holiday gatherings, let us wipe perceived wrongs and disagreements from our memories. As we gather with our loved ones, choose to be examples of the Christ-like love that protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres through everything.

This holiday season, let us concentrate on what will outlast everything earthly and temporal—faith, hope, and love. Let us join in songs of love and leave the clanging cymbals behind. If we do, then thanksgiving, peace, and goodwill toward all men will delight the heart of our Lord and bring peace to our land and our homes once again.

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, November 19, 2016

Don't forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for The Perfect Gift by Elaine Manders. Winner will be announced in the November 27th edition of the Weekly Windup. 

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon. 

When Fear & Faith Collide

“He fills his hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark.” Job 36:32 NIV

My fear has become a monument in the form of an overstuffed notebook. Article after article about lighting facts, hoarded as if in knowing, I will be safer. When a bolt of lightning, traveling through a clear, blue sky killed my dad, my fear spiraled out of control. I pulled my kids off soccer fields, refused to use the electric appliances, or take a shower during a storm. Talking on the phone is forbidden.

As a child, my dad held me in his lap, explaining what a beautiful display lightning gives of the power of God. Lightning striking two of my parents’ homes erased any fascination he managed to encourage. Following his death, fear and faith collided, and lightning became a terrible thing rather than a display of God’s power.

Living on the side of a mountain at 7200 feet puts us in danger of lightning strikes to our home and forest fires. The beautiful view drew us, and we never considered the storms.

An in-depth study of scripture convinced me that only God controls the lightning, but I still cannot see its beauty. I control nothing beyond my own reactions, but God’s sovereignty rules over all. I can accept that God took my father to heaven via a lightning bolt, but I don’t take chances by being out in a storm.

I have heard it said that God’s man, at the center of God’s will, is immortal until God is finished with him. Trusting an all-powerful God can free me from concern for self. Stepping out of my comfort zone can grow and mature my faith. Sensible precautions aren’t wrong. It is wrong to cower in fear over something only God controls.

John says perfect love casts out fear, so my fear cripples my faith. Stormy times in life cause me to depend on God in new ways, and lightning storms should do the same. I must submit my fear to God and leave it there. I must trust God completely, no matter my circumstances.

Fear weakens; faith strengthens. Just as the lightning comes from His fingers, so do the events of our lives. When I refuse to give in to fear, God can show me His power.

© Copyright Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, July 7, 2013 & August 17, 2017

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children.

Connect with Norma:

Website: www.normagail.org

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normagailwrites/

Book Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170